I like Portland, Oregon – Don't you?

Current books read and are reading – highly recommended! Read more about them at Powells.com

Tickets now on sale for the 2012 Portland Mardi Gras Ball! The Mysti Krewe of Nimbus presents the Second Annual Mardi Gras Party at the Bossanova Ballroom Saturday, February 18th 2012.

This year’s theme is “They All Ask’d For You” the Audubon Zoo song from the Meters

This year’s theme, “They All Ask’d For You,” will surely bring out the zoo animals and sea creatures in all the revelers. This classic New Orleans tune made famous by The Meters, celebrates the inhabitants of the city’s Audubon Zoo (and beyond) and will provide the ball’s decor and costume inspiration.

The zoological evening will include live music from the Too Loose Cajun/Zydeco Band, Atomic Gumbo, the Transcendental Brass Band, and special guests; delicious home-style Louisiana food provided by The Swamp Shack; a costume contest; the crowning of the 2012 Mardi Gras King and Queen; the search for the “baby” in the king cake; and a no-host bar.

Said Krewe co-captain Steve Kerin, “After moving from Louisiana seven years ago, we saw a love of life and joy of celebration in Portland. But Mardi Gras seemed to be just a night with themed drink specials. Creating a Louisiana-authentic Mardi Gras Ball was our chance to not just throw another great Portland party, but help connect folks here to the deeper traditions that are unique to the festivities. Last year we were blown away by the creativity of the costumes and the enthusiastic attendance. If you’re from Louisiana, or have a love for the music and culture, or maybe just curious about how Mardi Gras is traditionally celebrated, you really have to come out and join us!”

Congratulations, world! Congratulations on recognizing global economic disparity! Let’s get to work, again, as ever, 99%!

• Can’t make it down to the Elk to physically support Occupy Portland? Check their site for current needs and actions. Last I checked they needed folks to help deal with laundry, and take compost away. Occupy Portland Web Site
• Yes even desk jockeys can help. Repost #occupy links and stories on Facebook. Retweet on the Twitter. It may not seem like much, but social media is a: direct democracy and b: becoming more relevant than traditional media
• Give money. $5? $10? Donate to Occupy Portland. Listen in to KBOO community radio and give them some money. Become a KBOO member and support the voice of Portland. KBOO offers so much – public affairs, local news, and the most amazing variety of music you’ll hear anywhere!

YA BASTA!!!

Aqua-craft landlocked at Sauvie Island

Here’s another Portland area mystery – what the heck is that? I have a full set of pic on Flickr – click here!

I’ve tried Facebook, Twitter, LiveJournal, craigslist, everything I can think of to find out if anyone in the area has any idea what this is. One lead is a user on Flickr who claimed his dad built and launched it years ago. I tried to contact the user for more details, but no reply.

Can anyone help??

Thanks, Cafemama! http://www.flickr.com/photos/cafemama/

With a song in my heart and a spring in my step, finally one of SouthEast Portland’s great mysteries is solved!

I frequently pass a strip mall near 36th and Powell boasting the glorious sign for “Husky or Maltese, Whatever” – a restaurant that is never, ever open.

Here’s some pictures of the sign on Flickr

I’ve swung by the restaurant countless times over say the past 7 years. There are tables with table clothes, silverware, chairs, curtains pulled, signage out front – everything it indicate it’s a real working place! But it’s never, ever, ever open.
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